I always try my best to list them cause of death as precisely as I can. So in the example given I would code the following.
1. Cardiac arrest as a result of
2. Acid hypodermic respiratory failure (J 96.20) as a result off
3. Pneumonia Not Otherwise Specified.
Now if the patient is a PUI I might wait until results so I could get it right.
The point being is that if the corona virus code is being used without testing then we don’t have an accurate representation.
But here is what the CDC might do if docs legitimately coded. They might lump the NOS and presume a CoVId death.
What we have lost sight of with the scoreboard mentality is how many people die each day in the region. Are we seeing an increase in death or are we peddling panic. My guess? It’s not as bad as being reported but it is causing a marginal uptick this time of year so there is a real issue.
And before I get attacked by my colleague yes I know what I am talking about as I am just leaving a critical care shift at the moment and going back tonight.
Crank into the equation the financial incentive to code the deaths as Covid-19. Lots of bucks, and whose gonna check behind you?
Big respect, FRiend.
Post 57- Thank you for the reasoned and measured comment.
Take care!
The nCoV ID should be included on all PUI and Case Report Forms, specimen testing submission documents (i.e., form 50.34 or GFAT) and shipping labels. All specimens need an nCoV ID for submission to CDC laboratories for testing.I read this a merely a warning to the lab folks and care providers to be extra careful, as this sample may be more dangerous than usual, or this patient may be more infectious than usual.
Still, I can see this as contributing to the hysteria.